Phase Three: Doing Good - Jay

Phase Two in our Fijian Reset is now complete.

Phase 1 was all about getting to Fiji. We took the long journey from San Jose (through Los Angeles) to Nadi, Fiji. Once arriving, we purchased our limit of booze (maximum quantity of 2 liters worth of Alcohol per adult. Ours was used for Vanilla Vodka). Then we drove across the Viti Levu Island on the southern route to the capital town of Suva, Fiji.

Phase 2 was about getting oriented and acclimated. We did just that.

We started our journey with friends Joe and Terri. Joe works for the US Embassy and Terri is with the Peace Corp. Both are extraordinary people and live fantastic lives. Their children Zoe (7) and Marley (5) are nice young girls that are full of energy and charisma. The whole family were gracious hosts and we spent several morning, afternoons and nights at their home. They have a great swimming pool, a nice home, and Cable TV (Football Bowl Season plus NFL Playoffs).

The home we stayed at was pulled together by Terri & Joe. One of their neighbors was out of country (how convenient for us). There home was perfect for our needs: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, open kitchen, gated drive with room to throw a ball. The bonus was that they had a cat named Moby, which the boys absolutely adored. We were hooked up with internet access, and it was a short walk the market.

This phase also helped us learn about the city. We walked to the downtown several times, walked around the local University, and around the neighborhood at large. We now have additional familiarity to the "best" fish & Chips place, grocery store, "Costco-like" place, beer store, butcher, etc.

Our Next Phase, Phase 3, is about doing good in Suva, Fiji. We have reached out our wings to see what we can do. Right now we are looking at a local Home for kids. The peoples community network (they support people in informal/squatter settlements), both Homes for Hope and The Good Neighbor International that support single mothers. Additionally, we have a meeting set with the Director of the National Trust of Fiji. So we can learn how we might add value.

Should be an Excellent Phase... Wish us luck!

Hike: Fiji style – Karen

I think Saturday may end up being one of my favorite 'family days' in Fiji. We (Terri, Zoe, Jay and the boys and I) went up to Colo-I-Suva (pronounced Tholo-ee-Suva) Forest Reserve and met some friends/colleagues of Terri's for a hike /lunch in the rainforest.  We took a short hike across bridges, rocks, streams and steps where we were able to behold majestic views, a bit of nature, pools and waterfalls.  

Near the end of the hike we stopped for a dip into a swimming hole with a rope swing.  The boys were in heaven and able to try jump a few times off the ropes into the deep water below.  After several leaps we all got out of the water awhile to enjoy our packed lunch and were treated to what I only can refer to as a “lunch show” with the locals taking their own jumps from the ropes with acrobats and well polished flips, spins and dives from all parts of the tree/rope. It was quite engaging. Click here to watch the boys on the rope swing  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BenK9aMlfyk


On the return trip back to Suva we packed 12 people into our truck such that we could drop off some of Terri's friends we met up with at the swimming hole to a town between the hike and home. We all giggled and laughed at our ability to get everyone in the truck and even spotted a the Qiri Kapa Boys marching band found only in Fiji.  Everyone had a ball.